Zachary Levi has found himself in hot water over the years due to his controversial comments on various topics. In a recent interview with Variety published on May 22, the 44-year-old actor opened up about the consequences he has faced professionally after speaking out about President Trump and COVID-19 vaccines.
Levi revealed that his team has informed him that there are people in the industry who are now hesitant to work with him because of his opinions. While he didn’t receive specific names, he acknowledged the unfortunate reality that some individuals prefer to distance themselves from him at this time. Despite the backlash, Levi expressed that he was well aware of the potential repercussions when he made the decision to speak out.
Last year, Laura Benanti, Levi’s former Broadway costar, publicly expressed her dislike for him during an episode of “That’s a Gay Ass Podcast.” Benanti, 45, recalled her experiences working with Levi and claimed that he often dominated the room with his energy, trying to take charge and even “mansplain” others’ roles to them. She also mentioned that Levi’s attempts to organize dance parties before shows were not well received by everyone in the cast.
Benanti also criticized Levi for his comments following the death of their mutual friend and fellow Broadway star, Gavin Creel. In September 2024, Levi had made headlines by suggesting that Creel’s passing was a result of the COVID-19 vaccine, a claim that Benanti vehemently disagreed with. Creel, a Tony Award winner, had actually succumbed to metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, at the age of 48.
Despite the controversies surrounding Levi, he remains unapologetic about his views and continues to navigate the challenges of being a public figure with strong opinions. The actor’s willingness to speak his mind has undoubtedly polarized opinions within the industry, but he remains steadfast in his convictions. As Levi forges ahead in his career, it will be interesting to see how his outspoken nature continues to shape his professional relationships and public image.
